text:
← The Ten Best FRIENDS Episodes of Season Seven
The Ten Best FRIENDS Episodes of Season Eight →
MSTV Flops: A Look at THE WEBER SHOW (CURSED Indeed!)
Posted on August 22, 2018 by upperco
Welcome to a new Wildcard Wednesday! In this week's post, I'm sharing some thoughts on the MSTV flop Cursed (retitled and aired as The Weber Show for the majority of the year), which ran for 15 episodes at 8:30 on Thursdays between Friends and Will & Grace during the 2000-2001 season. As of this writing, all 15 shows that were broadcast in primetime — two additional entries were apparently burned off in a 3am slot the following August; I've not seen them and they do not circulate — can be viewed and downloaded from DailyMotion. (Should they ever be taken down, I'm happy to share my copies with curious entertainment scholars who subscribe and comment below.) Now, I don't intend to waste too many words on this particular series, because, true to its initial tongue-in-cheek title, this vehicle for Wings' Steven Weber was doomed from the start and isn't worth discussing on a blog that seeks the best in entertainment.
However, I think it's a good cautionary tale. Created by Nat Bernstein and Mitchel Katlin (Doogie Howser, The Gregory Hines Show, Over The Top, Center Of The Universe), Cursed starred Weber as Jack Nagle, a Chicago Lothario who goes out on a terrible first date and is "cursed" with bad luck by the vengeful woman whom he attempted to let down gently. The series was to follow Jack through this uncharmed life, which was pretty miserable at home, where he lived with an oddball roommate (and scatterbrained doctor), Larry, played by Chris Elliott; at the office, where he worked for his friend-turned boss, Wendell, portrayed by Wendell Pierce (The Gregory Hines Show); and in the bedroom, which he used to share with his on-again-off-again — now definitely off — girlfriend, Melissa, played by MSTV's own Amy Pietz (from Caroline In The City). John O'Hurley (you remember him best from Seinfeld) recurred as another one of Jack's bosses… But after commissioning the pilot and producing two additional episodes — the ones that were held and buried at 3am — NBC shut down production of Cursed, replaced Executive Producers Bernstein and Katlin with Friends scribes Adam Chase and Ira Ungerleider, and began a retooling of the series that sought to downplay the premise's initial "broadness" by reshooting the pilot, retracting the "cursed" angle, and pivoting the show into something more realistic and relatable — i.e. another "singles in the city" show.
Word of the backstage turmoil did nothing to help word of mouth, and by the time the show premiered in late October — preempted with the rest of the season for the 2000 Summer Olympics, but delayed two extra weeks because of the backburner'ed entries — jokes about the cheeky Cursed being cursed were obvious… Of course, many pointed out that the timeslot itself supplied a lot of the negative connotation, for the first hammock on the Peacock Network's most popular and prestigious night had already left a trail of short-lived fatalities — The Single Guy, Union Square, and Jesse among them. By the 2000-2001 season, ABC had already poked a hole in the 9:00 hour with Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, and CBS would, in February of 2001, put a dent in Friends and the rest of NBC's formerly powerhouse line-up with Survivor and CSI. So, Must See TV Thursday was already in for trouble when Cursed came along and, true to expectations, dragged the evening down even more… As the new showrunners continued to move the series away from its "cursed" concept, and indeed dispensed with the notion directly in an installment discussed below, the reformatting that some in the media tried to talk up as having a positive effect on the show's quality did nothing to improve the ratings. Thus, by the sixth episode, the last to air in 2000, Cursed was rechristened The Weber Show and a new regular character was introduced: Katie (Paula Marshall), a lesbian Jack befriends and for whom he soon develops feelings. Several outings later, he's happy to learn that, hey, she's not a lesbian after all — she's just undercover to write an article — and they can be together… eventually. (Ugh!)
Viewers weren't interested and neither was NBC — with Survivor just around the corner, the network pulled The Weber Show for February Sweeps and engaged in its "Supersized" strategy that we talked about in this week's Friends post — with 40 minute telecasts of Friends (and on one week, Will & Grace, and Just Shoot Me!, as well). Eventually, The Weber Show returned in mid-March and the network went through all but the two Bernstein/Katlin installments, concluding the 15-episode run in late April on the first night of May Sweeps. The final broadcasts didn't even make the Top 30, and coming after Friends, this was a guaranteed death sentence. The Weber Show was not renewed for the following season, and the series that had boldly attempted to mock its timeslot's track record befell the same fate… But, again, I believe it was doomed from the start. Here's why: it employed a high-concept gimmick that was fundamentally ill-suited for character-driven comedy. (The odder the premise, the more dimensional the characters must be!)
For starters, if a character is perennially saddled with bad luck, then we know what to expect for every comedic centerpiece, and thus, the suspense, tension, and surprise necessary to sitcom conflict is removed; we know it'll end badly, so what's the point in investing? And while most good sitcoms put their characters through more failures than successes, in a world where the "heightened" outcome is actually the good, normal, right occurrence in our world, and the show's "typical" happening is what we'd consider outrageous and comedically inclined, then the latter loses its comedy, too, for now the absurd is commonplace and no longer extraordinary enough to procure laughs. Additionally, if a character is cursed, then he has little bearing on his own fate, and if he can't motivate outcomes, then he probably won't be able to motivate story either; granting him a personality and attempting to illustrate it through narratives that he can drive is going to be impossible. And, once again, we'll never be able to invest… So, you see, this was never going to work. NBC was right to back away from it, even if it was the wrong solution to make the show essentially more cookie cutter and familiar — "singles in the city." (It's understandable that viewers would be bothered by that maneuver, too!)
Yet, if Friends has taught us anything, it's that its low-concept design, however clichéd, is only as good or bad as the writing in support. This means, as always, character is king, and when we set aside the terrible gimmicky non-character rooted premise, Cursed is a show that doesn't define any of its regulars. Elliott's Larry seems the most fully formed, but that's because the actor's persona of established lunacy is the guiding force. Pietz is blander than she was on Caroline In The City and Pierce is used so tangentially that it's impossible to ever get a grasp on exactly why he's there, let alone who he is. Additionally, I don't find Weber to be a performer who can elevate material; if it's not on the page, it's definitely not on the stage, and with the former Wings vet as the nucleus, positive forward strides almost exclusively have to be made in the writer's room… but they aren't. I haven't seen the buried 3am outings, but I'm confident in assuming great character beats were in short supply… When the Friends writers come on board, they turned the show into a rom-com — with the lesbian-not-a-lesbian-lesbian-not-a-lesbian Katie, played by Marshall, whom some have since derisively labeled a "show killer" for her poor track record in new comedies — and punched it up with more one-liners. But, again, no great characterization strides were made. In fact, the show refocused itself so directly on the trio of Weber, Elliott, and Marshall, that the others were relegated to half-baked subplots that seemed designed to fill time, not flesh out personalities that could then be used to motivate comedy. As a result, I conclude that this series, whether Cursed or The Weber Show, guided by alums from either Doogie Howser or Friends, fails on a fundamental level: there's no character to uphold the structure — either when high-concept and unworkable or low-concept and clichéd.
So, naturally, I can't share a list of favorites, and there's no point in offering an episode, because, again, you can find the 15 primetime broadcasts online elsewhere (as of this publication). But, I can briefly mention the installment that I would select as the series' finest — no, not the ham-fisted guest show with Charlton Heston or the one with the shoehorned cameo from Whoopi Goldberg — it's the fourth broadcast outing, "…And Then He Had To Give A Thumbs Up," which was written by Friends' Michael Curtis (who's also credited with my second favorite script), directed by Mad About You's Barnet Kellman, and shown on November 16, 2000. This is the entry that I referenced above as officially redirecting the show away from its cursed angle. It does this by re-establishing Jack's bad luck, but then illustrating how, even with this bad luck, he's able to emerge victorious both professionally and personally. In showing the audience this success, the show puts to bed the idea that Jack will forever be plagued by misfortune, and from there, he can simply live his life as all other sitcom characters do. Given the terrible start, this is a smart, succinct way of moving past the initial premise, and it's helped by the funnier-than-usual script. (Other staffers included Suddenly Susan's Phil Baker & Drew Vaupen, Wings' Ellen Byron & Lissa Kapstrom, Will & Grace's Gail Lerner, and Friends' Mark J. Kunerth.) If you want a sample of what this series was like, in the middle of its two "eras," that's the one to watch.
Come back next week for another Wildcard post! And stay tuned Tuesday for more Friends!
Posted in Uncategorized	| Tagged 2000, 2001, amy pietz, chris elliott, comedy, cursed, friends, MSTV, multi-camera, must see tv thursday, nbc, paula marshall, single season, single season sitcom, sitcoms, steven weber, television, the weber show, wendell pierce
2 thoughts on "MSTV Flops: A Look at THE WEBER SHOW (CURSED Indeed!)"
Jon H
NBC seemingly always saw ths show as "cursed" from the beginning, and that was to me a correct assessment. I saw the CURSED opening credits at least once, and I was happy that this show at least had that rare novelty. (I actually watched SUDDENLY SUSAN & JESSE at times for this reason.) I think I stuck with the show for part of the episode if not all of it. By this time I was sick of seeing title & opening credits running over action, so as soon as I saw that title THE WEBER SHOW and credits over the action, and then I figured it was yet another "singles in the city" sitcom, I was through with it in less than a minute. I do remember a S1 FRIENDS episode where the opening titles ran over action, but fortunately the theme song proved to be so popular that FRIENDS had an opening sequence from then on. I don't know how many S1 FRIENDS episodes ran without opening titles, but I'm guessing no more than 1 or 2.
The "Lesbian not a Lesbian" angle sounds confusing and reminds me of how Wallace Langham's character on VERONICA'S CLOSET shifted from questioning to straignt to gay so much that it was confusing. Have you reviewed VERONICA'S CLOSET here? I don't recall if you did or not, but that turned into 3 sitcoms in 1, a different boss each season. I did watch SUDDENLY SUSAN off and on (As I just mentioned, it also had an opening sequence set to "Ode to Joy" and a unique way of mentioning the actors when it started ["Not to mention Judd Nelson", "Plus Barbara Barrie"]), and this was the first show I ever saw filmed in front of an audience on my first trip to S Cal in Sept. 1998. My college friend & I would've greatly preferred to see the FRIENDS episode filmed that same night in a nearby WB studio, but of course that one had a full audience. (The episode I saw filmed was "Sleeping with the Enemy", if anyone can remember that one. We also had to wait around an extra hour past the announced arrival time, probably needed to fix the episode.) However with David Strickland's suicide followed by Judd Nelson leaving the show, it was unwatchable for me in its final season. SUDDENLY SUSAN could also (maybe) be worth a look from you (but probably not). I can only remember 1 subplot from CAROLINE IN THE CITY where 2 of the male characters pretended to be domestic partners to share the same medical benefits.
I've dumped out memories of many failed to middiing MSTV sitcoms here, and it leaves me with a question for you. If you can recall, did you notice any difference between the sitcoms run at 8:30 PM ET and those run at 9:30 PM ET Thursdays on NBC? Maybe the 9:30 shows were possibly more mature, but to me they all seem to be going for the same urban singles audience, so I could never tell myself.
Hi, Jon! Thanks for reading and commenting.
VERONICA'S CLOSET, SUDDENLY SUSAN, and CAROLINE IN THE CITY all fall in an unfortunate gray area for this blog; they ran too long and would take too much time to anchor one (or even two) Wildcard posts, but also aren't substantial enough to warrant the full Sitcom Tuesday treatment.
I came very close to splitting CAROLINE IN THE CITY into two posts and covering it alongside FRIENDS, but the timing just wasn't right. I'd say it's still a possibility, but at this point, I don't think there'll be an ideal opportunity to feature any of those three here. (And SUDDENLY SUSAN probably has the least chance of that trio.)
As for the differences between 8:30 shows and 9:30 shows on Thursday, there are a few things to remember. The first is that the post-SEINFELD slot was considered the most prestigious and it was therefore reserved for either the series the executives liked best (CAROLINE IN THE CITY), the one they most wanted to do well because of the network's ongoing relationship with a studio (SUDDENLY SUSAN, from Warner Bros.), or the one they were contractually obligated to keep in that A-1 period (VERONICA'S CLOSET, for two years).
Also, 8:30 was the secondary hammock slot, so the same principles persisted, but to a lesser degree — the decent show the networks thought could be a hit (THE SINGLE GUY), the one that had well-liked producers attached (UNION SQUARE, with Barron/Pennette), or the one that, again, they were contractually obligated to keep there (JESSE, for two years).
So, you see, any perceived aesthetic differences between the shows in the two timeslots — you *could* perhaps say that 8:30 had a couple of offerings that definitely skewed younger (like BOSTON COMMON) than their later hammocked counterparts — were truly secondary to the network politics that were determining what got scheduled where. (In fact, it eventually got so out of hand that during the '98-'99 season, there were so many time period commitments that only FRIENDS and ER were on Thursdays by the network's own choosing.)
And so, the main difference between shows in the two periods was that the 9:00 anchor (SEINFELD) was bigger than 8:00's (FRIENDS). Its lead-out real estate was thus slightly more valuable.
However, because of these tactics, by 2000 (and following the departures of Littlefield and Beckman), Thursday was significantly weakened. Later shows thrown on that night were put there more out of necessity than strategy. (That is, WILL & GRACE and JUST SHOOT ME! weren't strong enough for Thursdays in 2000, but Tuesday needed FRASIER to anchor it, and those two were among the only surviving options to relocate to the A-block.)


text:
Petals Of Blood
Download Petals Of Blood full books in PDF, epub, and Kindle. Read online free Petals Of Blood ebook anywhere anytime directly on your device. Fast Download speed and no annoying ads. We cannot guarantee that every ebooks is available!
Author : Ngugi wa Thiong'o,Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o
Publsiher : Penguin Modern Classics
Genre : Kenya
Download Petals of Blood Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle
There has been a murder in the Kenyan village of Ilmorog. Four suspects are placed in detention: headmaster Munira, teacher and political activist Karega, spirited barmaid Wanja and storekeeper Abdulla. But there are no easy solutions to the crime in a place already filled with fear and intimidation. As the murder is investigated, it becomes clear how the lives of suspects and victims are inextricably linked to the fortunes of their village, and to the crisis of modern Kenya itself. Petals of Bloodwas published in 1977 to huge controversy, leading to Ngugi's imprisonment for his portrayal of a post-independence Kenya ruled by greed, corruption and brutality. Yet his blistering criticism of the legacy of colonialism still burns with hope for the future.
Author : Ngugi wa Thiong'o
Publsiher : National Geographic Books
Total Pages : 0
"The definitive African book of the twentieth century" (Moses Isegawa, from the Introduction) by the Nobel Prize–nominated Kenyan writer The puzzling murder of three African directors of a foreign-owned brewery sets the scene for this fervent, hard-hitting novel about disillusionment in independent Kenya. A deceptively simple tale, Petals of Blood is on the surface a suspenseful investigation of a spectacular triple murder in upcountry Kenya. Yet as the intertwined stories of the four suspects unfold, a devastating picture emerges of a modern third-world nation whose frustrated people feel their leaders have failed them time after time. First published in 1977, this novel was so explosive that its author was imprisoned without charges by the Kenyan government. His incarceration was so shocking that newspapers around the world called attention to the case, and protests were raised by human-rights groups, scholars, and writers, including James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Donald Barthelme, Harold Pinter, and Margaret Drabble.
A Study Guide for Ngugi wa Thiong o s Petals of Blood
Author : Gale, Cengage Learning
Publsiher : Gale, Cengage Learning
Download A Study Guide for Ngugi wa Thiong o s Petals of Blood Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle
The Perfect Nine
Author : Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o
Publsiher : The New Press
Download The Perfect Nine Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle
A dazzling, genre-defying novel in verse from the author Delia Owens says "tackles the absurdities, injustices, and corruption of a continent" Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's novels and memoirs have received glowing praise from the likes of President Barack Obama, the New Yorker, the New York Times Book Review, The Guardian, and NPR; he has been a finalist for the Man International Booker Prize and is annually tipped to win the Nobel Prize for Literature; and his books have sold tens of thousands of copies around the world. In his first attempt at the epic form, Ngũgĩ tells the story of the founding of the Gĩkũyũ people of Kenya, from a strongly feminist perspective. A verse narrative, blending folklore, mythology, adventure, and allegory, The Perfect Nine chronicles the efforts the Gĩkũyũ founders make to find partners for their ten beautiful daughters—called "The Perfect Nine" —and the challenges they set for the 99 suitors who seek their hands in marriage. The epic has all the elements of adventure, with suspense, danger, humor, and sacrifice. Ngũgĩ's epic is a quest for the beautiful as an ideal of living, as the motive force behind migrations of African peoples. He notes, "The epic came to me one night as a revelation of ideals of quest, courage, perseverance, unity, family; and the sense of the divine, in human struggles with nature and nurture."
The Trial of Dedan Kimathi
Author : Ngugi wa Thiong'o,Micere Githae Mugo
Publsiher : Waveland Press
Genre : Drama
Download The Trial of Dedan Kimathi Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle
Kenyan-born novelist and playwright Ngugi wa Thiong'o and his collaborator, Micere Githae Mugo, have built a powerful and challenging play out of the circumstances surrounding the 1956 trial of Dedan Kimathi, the celebrated Kenyan hero who led the Mau Mau rebellion against the British colonial regime in Kenya and was eventually hanged. A highly controversial character, Kimathi's life has been subject to intense propaganda by both the British government, who saw him as a vicious terrorist, and Kenyan nationalists, who viewed him as a man of great courage and commitment. Writing in the 1970s, the playwrights' response to colonialist writings about the Mau Mau movement in The Trial of Dedan Kimathi is to sing the praises of the deeds of this hero of the resistance who refused to surrender to British imperialism. It is not a reproduction of the farcical "trial" at Nyeri. Rather, according to the preface, it is "an imaginative recreation and interpretation of the collective will of the Kenyan peasants and workers in their refusal to break under sixty years of colonial torture and ruthless oppression by the British ruling classes and their continued determination to resist exploitation,oppression and new forms of enslavement."
Wrestling with the Devil
Download Wrestling with the Devil Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle
A New York Times Editors' Choice "A welcome addition to the vast literature produced by jailed writers across the centuries . . . [a] thrilling testament to the human spirit." —Ariel Dorfman, The New York Times Book Review "Wrestling with the Devil is a powerful testament to the courage of Ngũgĩ and his fellow prisoners and validation of the hope that an independent Kenya would eventually emerge." —Minneapolis Star Tribune "The Ngũgĩ of Wrestling with the Devil called not just for adding a bit of color to the canon's sagging shelf, but for abolition and upheaval." —Bookforum An unforgettable chronicle of the year the brilliant novelist and memoirist, long favored for the Nobel Prize, was thrown in a Kenyan jail without charge Wrestling with the Devil, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's powerful prison memoir, begins literally half an hour before his release on December 12, 1978. In one extended flashback he recalls the night, a year earlier, when armed police pulled him from his home and jailed him in Kenya's Kamĩtĩ Maximum Security Prison, one of the largest in Africa. There, he lives in a prison block with eighteen other political prisoners, quarantined from the general prison population. In a conscious effort to fight back the humiliation and the intended degradation of the spirit, Ngũgĩ—the world-renowned author of Weep Not, Child; Petals of Blood; and Wizard of the Crow—decides to write a novel on toilet paper, the only paper to which he has access, a book that will become his classic, Devil on the Cross. Written in the early 1980s and never before published in America, Wrestling with the Devil is Ngũgĩ's account of the drama and the challenges of writing the novel under twenty-four-hour surveillance. He captures not only the excruciating pain that comes from being cut off from his wife and children, but also the spirit of defiance that defines hope. Ultimately, Wrestling with the Devil is a testimony to the power of imagination to help humans break free of confinement, which is truly the story of all art.
Petals on the Wind
Author : V.C. Andrews
Publsiher : Simon and Schuster
Download Petals on the Wind Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle
On the heels of the successful Lifetime TV version of Flowers in the Attic comes the TV movie tie-in edition of Petals On the Wind, the second book in the captivating Dollanganger saga. Forbidden love comes into full bloom. For three years they were kept hidden in the eaves of Foxworth Hall, their existence all but denied by a mother who schemed to inherit a fortune. For three years their fate was in the hands of their righteous, merciless grandmother. They had to stay strong...but in their hopeless world, Cathy and her brother Christopher discovered blossoming desires that tumbled into a powerful obsession. Now, with their frail sister Carrie, they have broken free and scraped enough together for three bus tickets and a chance at a new life. The horrors of the attic are behind them...but they will carry its legacy of dark secrets forever.
Devil on the Cross
Publsiher : Heinemann
Download Devil on the Cross Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle
This remarkable and symbolic novel centers on Wariinga's tragedy and uses it to tell a story of contemporary Kenya.
We Re Different We Re The Same
How Google Works
Kingdom Woman
The Journey Withi
Jesus and the Disinherited
Goosebumps Horrorland Boxed Set
Applications of Biotechnology in Neurology
PERT Mathematics Prep 2020
International Express Third Edition Pre Intermediate Student Book Pack
America Swings
A Rumor of War
The Intercessors Handbook
Faith in the Unseen
The Pieta Prayer Book
Growing Up For Girls Everything You Need To Know

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


You are an independent spirit who can't help but do things your own way. You just see the world differently.
You have unique ideas when it comes to beauty - you find it in places that others forget to look.
Winter is as fun for you as any other season. You find joy and excitement in your own way during this season.
Unlike most people, you don't find gray skies and cold weather dispiriting. If anything, you enjoy the bracing chill.
Spring is a time of exploration and growth for you. The changing of seasons makes everything new and interesting again.
You enjoy seeing the world as temporary, always in flux and evolving. Spring reminds that nothing remains the same from day to day.


Women of Adath invites you to join us for brunch as we celebrate our 100th anniversary of affiliation with WLCJ (Women's League of Conservative Judaism).
Margie Miller, International President of Women's League for Conservative Judaism, will be our guest speaker. Hazzan Joanna Dulkin will present a musical program: "Starlets, Songbirds and Yiddishe Mames: 100 Years of Jewish Women in Music."
We look forward to seeing you! If you have any questions, please reach out to Tos Dietz at tos.dietz@gmail.com or by phone at 763.545.9078.


text:
namespace armabot {

void ReportError(JNIEnv *env, sweep_error_s error, bool do_throw);

}

inline bool CheckStatus(JNIEnv *env, sweep_error_s error,
                        bool do_throw = true) {
  if (error) {
    armabot::ReportError(env, error, do_throw);
    sweep_error_destruct(error);
    return false;
  }
  return true;
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer's top 9 flops, from Tablet PC to Xbox One
By By Paresh Dave
The Microsoft Zune 16 portable media player, a second-generation of the Zune, was released in November 2007. Apple had sold nearly 100 million iPods by the time Microsoft sold its first competing device in 2006. The Zune was taken off the market in 2011. (Associated Press)
Microsoft's tumultuous fall on the stock market during the last 13 years has largely been fueled by missteps in the consumer products market.
Though Bill Gates had significant control until 2006, soon-departing Chief Executive Steve Ballmer ultimately held responsibility over Microsoft's vast empire.
Here's a look at some initiatives that didn't work out as planned.
PHOTOS: Six things rich tech execs splurge on
Microsoft Tablet PC
Nearly a decade before Apple released the iPad, Microsoft had developed a version of Windows XP suitable for tablets. The tablet was controlled by a stylus.
Bill Gates hailed that Tablet PCs, as Microsoft called them, would be ubiquitous within five years. Gates and Ballmer missed the mark by failing to see the need for hand-touch technology and user-centric marketing -- two key elements behind the iPad's success.
Microsoft released a worthy-of-merit tablet in 2012. But people found it difficult to use, and Microsoft couldn't convince developers to make apps for the tablets despite Ballmer's cries to the developer community.
Microsoft took a $900-million loss on $19.9 billion in revenue in the most recent quarter because of weak tablet sales. Recently the company cut prices of a couple of models. It also lost out on big contracts, such as with the Los Angeles Unified School District, which plans to give all of its students Apple iPads instead.
Despite not succeeding on its own, Microsoft hasn't made its widely used Microsoft Office software available on the Apple. That's sent many potential customers to the competition, including Google Drive.
Microsoft was early to the table in the mobile phone market, too. It tried to keep things simple for users by mimicking the look and feel of Windows on desktops and laptops. These Pocket PCs eventually evolved into Windows Mobile and then Windows Phone.
But after the release of the iPhone in 2007, Microsoft's share of the smartphone market tumbled from nearly 50% to single digits today. Ballmer steered Microsoft into a partnership with smartphone manufacturer Nokia. The deal hasn't helped Window Phone much.
Microsoft discontinued sales of the portable music player in 2011 after five years on the market. The Zune never surpassed the single digits in terms of market share as it failed to draw people away from the smoother design of the iPod.
After seeing Google's rise, Microsoft tried to build its own architecture to scan the Web in the early 2000s. However, Google had already become an official dictionary word by the time Microsoft unveiled Live Search in 2006. The service was rebranded in 2009 as Bing to give it a new spark.
Bing included a search rewards program that let users enter sweepstakes for prizes such as tablets and gave them goodies such as Starbucks gift cards. Microsoft also struck key deals with Yahoo and Facebook to combine their searches and has seen its market share steadily cut away at Yahoo and more recently Google. Still, Google records nearly four times as much traffic as Bing.
In 2007, Microsoft confused PC users by releasing several different versions of the Vista operating system. It's glassy user interface and improved search features were welcomed upgrades. Unfortunately, Microsoft annoyed users with incessant warnings before letting them install programs or perform previously quick and mundane tasks. In a quest for improved security, Microsoft missed the mark on usability.
Today, a third of computers still run Windows XP, which came before Vista. Not even one in 20 PCs runs Vista anymore as many people quickly upgraded to patch version Windows 7, the most widely used operating system now.
Microsoft didn't learn from its mistakes. The company's release of Windows 8 last October fell flat because it changed the way Windows worked too quickly for users. It removed the start button and moved to a tile-based layout similar to what people see on tablets and smartphones.
Combined with slowing sales of traditional computers, Windows 8 has barely made a dent in the market. One of Ballmer's final product releases will come in October when Windows 8.1 is unveiled.
Microsoft angered many potential buyers of its new video game and home entertainment console by initially saying that the device would require a constant Internet connection. Though part of an attempt to fend off piracy, Microsoft later backed down from the requirement.
The Xbox One will be in direct competition with the Sony PlayStation 4. And many video gamers rejoiced when Sony unveiled the device and took jabs at Microsoft's originally restrictive policies.
Unrelated to Microsoft, Ballmer recently tried to buy the Sacramento Kings basketball franchise. The failed endeavor might have epitomized some of his shortfalls.
A Ballmer-led investment group lost out this spring to a team of investors led by Vivek Ranadive, chief executive of a smaller software maker based in Silicon Valley. Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson reportedly said the NBA called Ranadive "a visionary" who sold them on the "NBA 3.0."
Microsoft's stock performance under Steve Ballmer: Not so good
Cellphone users may opt out of robo-calls, court says in Dell ruling
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer to retire in 2014; no successor named
California Inc. Newsletter
A look back, and ahead, at the latest California business news.
Toyota is ordered to pay auto dealer $15.8 million in trial over Prius defects
Uber and Lyft drivers were paid up to $100 to protest a bill that could make them employees
Uber and Lyft drivers swarm Sacramento as lawmakers advance gig workers' rights bill
How Jony Ive, Apple's design guru, planned his own obsolescence
Trump's next tweet could come with a warning label


The Clay/Algonac Historical Society has a new display building located on the municipal grounds next to the Log Cabin. It houses watercraft from local boat builders such as Chris Craf t and Garwood.
The log cabin dates back to the early 1800's and contains many artifacts. It is open on Log Cabin Day in June.
The museum is located in a historic building located at 1240 St. Clair River Drive (across from the Dairy Queen) in downtown Algonac.
On log cabin day join us at the authentic 1800's log cabin located at 4710 Pte. Tremble Road. The cabin will be open and filled with historical items used by Algonac/Clay Township residents in the past. In addition, there will be an antique quilt display, crafts, farm implements, a DUR station and other artifacts.


text:
Tables - Page 6
2470 All
586 Layers
341 Tables
1 Data Sources
16 Air
1 Climate and Atmosphere
315 Environmental Reporting
6 Fresh Water
341 All Groups
8 Freshwater directorate
1 MfE Data Management
341 All Regions
341 World
Carbon monoxide concentrations and exceedances 2005–2013
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas formed by incomplete combustion of fuels, in particular from road motor vehicles and burning wood and coal for home heating. It also occurs naturally, for example, from wild fires. CO can affect human health by interfering with the blood's ability to carry oxygen and by aggravating heart conditions.
Road motor vehicles are the main source of carbon monoxide, followed closely by wood or coal burning for home heating. These two sources contribute 50 and 43 percent respectively of the combined carbon monoxide emissions produced by home heating, on-road vehicles and industry over a year.
Column units:
- Disp_graph column: 1= displayed on graph; 0 = not displayed on graph
- Variable column: mg_m3 = milligrams per cubic metre (mg/m3)
This dataset relates to the "Carbon monoxide concentrations" measure on the Environmental Indicators, Te taiao Aotearoa website.
Web Feature Service (WFS), Catalog Service (CS-W), data.govt.nz Atom Feed
Carbon monoxide concentrations at Baring Head (2000–13)
This dataset was first added to MfE Data Service on 01 Oct 2015.
Greenhouse gases (GHGS) in the atmosphere absorb heat radiating from Earth, warming the atmosphere. Emissions from human activities increase the concentrations of these gases. Increases in these gases increase ocean acidity and are extremely likely to contribute to increased global temperatures, sea levels, and glacier melt. Monitoring GHG concentrations allows us to infer long-term impacts on ocean acidity, temperature, sea level, and glaciers.
Greenhouse gases are generally well mixed around the globe. We use 'clean air' observations from Baring Head, near Wellington, to estimate global concentrations of the greenhouse gases – carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and carbon monoxide (CO). These observations are made only when the air's trajectory is from the south and away from any likely local sources of gas emissions. This gives an estimate representative of the concentrations over the Southern Ocean.
The observations tell us how the global atmosphere responds to increasing emissions of greenhouse gases, and are an internationally representative measure of global concentrations. However, the Southern Hemisphere has slightly less greenhouse gas concentrations than the Northern Hemisphere, as well as a smaller seasonal variation.
Further information can be found in:
Mikaloff Fletcher, SE, & Nichol, S (2014) Measurements of Trace Gases in Well-mixed Air at Baring Head: Trends in carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and carbon monoxide. Prepared for Ministry for the Environment. Available at data.mfe.govt.nz/x/cZzREp on the Ministry for the Environment dataservice (data.mfe.govt.nz/).
Trend results can be found in the excel file "Greenhouse gas concentrations trend statistics" at data.mfe.govt.nz/x/H776gZ.
This dataset relates to the "Greenhouse gas concentrations" measure on the Environmental Indicators, Te taiao Aotearoa website.
Carbon monoxide concentrations, 1996–17
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas formed by the incomplete combustion of fuels, particularly from motor vehicles, from burning wood and coal, and using unflued gas heaters for home heating. It also occurs naturally; for example, from wild fires.
Carbon monoxide can affect human health by interfering with the blood's ability to carry oxygen and by aggravating heart conditions. It has a relatively long life in the atmosphere – about three months. This is due to the slow rate at which carbon monoxide oxidises, forming carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas). Carbon monoxide also has an important role in forming smog.
More information on this dataset and how it relates to our environmental reporting indicators and topics can be found in the attached data quality pdf.
Change in farm numbers, 2002–16
This dataset was first added to MfE Data Service on 16 Apr 2018.
The number of farms involved in agricultural activities, and how they are changing, is important because agricultural activities can affect soil health and water.
Agricultural activities include beef and sheep, dairy, arable, horticulture, deer, pigs, and other livestock.
Change in farm size, 2002–16
The area of farms involved in agricultural activities, and how this is changing, is important because agricultural activities can affect soil health and water.
Changes in the conservation status of indigenous marine species
Marine mammals, seabirds, and shorebirds are indicator species for the state of our marine environment. A decreasing population can indicate that the ecosystem is degrading. New Zealand has a diverse range of marine species, many of which are endemic to (only breed in) New Zealand. They are apex species (near the top of the food chain) and can thrive only if their ecosystems are healthy.
This measure reports on the number of indigenous marine species that have had a genuine change in conservation status between two monitoring periods (2008–11 and 2012–14). A change in a species' conservation status reflects a change in its risk of extinction.
Changes in the conservation status of indigenous species - Number of threatened species with a change in conservation status, by major taxonomic group, 2005–11
The number of indigenous animal and plant species with a change in conservation status is reported as an impact of changes in the state of our fresh water, land, and marine environments. A change in a species' conservation status reflects a change in their risk of extinction.
This dataset relates to the "Changes in the conservation status of indigenous species" measure on the Environmental Indicators, Te taiao Aotearoa website.
Coastal and estuarine water quality state 1973–2018
Data are for 15 measures of coastal water quality at monitored sites in New Zealand. These 15 measures are dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, temperature, visual clarity, turbidity, suspended solids, ammoniacal nitrogen, nitrate-nitrite nitrogen, total nitrogen, dissolved reactive phosphorus, total phosphorus, faecal coliforms, enterococci, and chlorophyll-a.
Summary report available at www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/environmental-reporti....
Coastal and estuarine water quality trends 2006–2017 and 2008–2017
Data are 15 measures of coastal water quality at monitored sites in New Zealand. These 15 measures are dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, temperature, visual clarity, turbidity, suspended solids, ammoniacal nitrogen, nitrate-nitrite nitrogen, total nitrogen, dissolved reactive phosphorus, total phosphorus, faecal coliforms, enterococci, and chlorophyll-a.
Coastal extreme waves (2008–15)
Extreme wave indexes estimate the occurrence of extreme wave events in coastal and oceanic waters. Extreme wave indexes estimate the number of times a significant wave height exceeds one of three threshold values for at least 12 hours in 24 marine regions. The three wave-height thresholds are four metres, six metres, and eight metres.
This indicator estimates the exceedances of wave-height thresholds for each year from 2008 to 2015 in coastal areas.
Significant wave height is a measure of the 'typical' wave height in a place over a time period. It is four times the standard deviation of the water surface if, for example, you were to measure water moving up and down a jetty piling for an hour. The largest individual wave will typically have a height around twice the significant wave height.
We use three wave-height thresholds because of the regional variation in extreme wave events. In general, the north experiences less exposure to consistently strong winds, and the waves generated by them, than the south. Four-metre tall waves are considered extreme in the northern-most parts of New Zealand but are more common in the south. For the southern-most parts of New Zealand, eight-metre waves better represent extreme wave events.


text:
HomeAnalytics AppInsightsAbout Us
This privacy policy has been written to better serve those who are concerned with how their 'Personally Identifiable Information' (PII) is being used online. PII, as described in privacy law and information security, is information that can be used on its own or with other information to identify, contact, or locate a single person, or to identify an individual in context.
Please carefully read our privacy policy to get a clear understanding of how we collect, use, protect, and handle Personally Identifiable Information in accordance with our website.
What personal information do we collect from visitors of our website and app?
As and when appropriate, visitors may be asked to enter information such as their email address, and other details to help with their experience.
Should users choose to register for an account on our website in the future, we may ask users for some information. If you prefer to use the application anonymously, you are free to do so otherwise.
How do we use that information?
When visitors register, sign up for our newsletter, surf the website, respond to surveys or marketing communications, or use certain features of the site, we may use the information in one of the following ways:
(a) To personalize user experience to allow us to deliver catered content and product offerings.
(b) To improve our website to better serve our users.
(c) To optimize speed and user experience while using the app by pre-processing public blockchain data.
How do we protect our users' information?
Privacy and security is of utmost importance to us.
Personal information is stored behind secured networks and is only accessible by a limited number of persons who have special access rights and are always required to keep full confidentiality. In addition, all sensitive wallet, email, and personally identifiable information are encrypted via Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology.
We implement a variety of security measures when a user accesses, enters, or submits information to maintain the safety of their personal information.
Yes. Cookies are small files that a site or service provider transfers to a user's computer's hard drive through the Web browser (if allowed by the user). These files enable the site's or service provider's system to recognize browsers and capture and remember certain information. They are also used to help us understand preferences based on previous or current site activity, ultimately enabling us to provide our users with a better experience and service. We also use cookies to compile aggregate data about site traffic and site interaction so that we can offer better site experiences in the future.
(a) Understand and save user preferences for future visits.
(b) Compile aggregate data about site traffic and site interactions in order to offer better site experiences and tools in the future. We may also use trusted third-party services that track this information on our behalf.
You may choose to have your computer warn you each time a cookie is being sent, or you may choose to turn off all cookies. You may do this through your browser settings.
If you turn off your cookies, some of the features may not function properly or efficiently.
We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer to outside parties Personally Identifiable Information. This does not include website hosting partners and other parties who assist us in operating our website, conducting our business, or serving our users, so long as those parties agree to keep this information confidential. We may also release information when its release is appropriate to comply with the law, enforce our site policies, or protect ours or other's rights, property or safety.
If at any time you would like to unsubscribe from receiving future emails, you may unsubscribe to our emails at the bottom of the page or email us at [email protected] Once requested, we will promptly remove you from ALL correspondence.
By using our website and app, you acknowledge that we may update this Policy as and when it is appropriate and required. You may refer back to this page to view the most updated version at any point of time.
If there are any questions regarding this privacy policy, you may directly contact us at [email protected].
Supported ProtocolsRequest ProtocolReport BugsFAQsPrivacy PolicyTerms of ServiceWork with us
Official Treehouse Channels
Twitter Telegram (Insights) Medium Telegram (Community) Discord Reddit
© 2022 Treehouse Finance. All rights reserved
Up Only


Dental Visit Survey - Dr. Neil Zastre Inc.
* 1. Were you comfortable with the team and office atmosphere?
* 2. Did you see the Doctor/Hygienist of your choosing?
* 3. Were you pleased with the scheduling of your appointment?
* 4. Were appointment reminders and the importance of attending communicated effectively?
* 5. Were your concerns and questions handled professionally? Did we answer all your questions?
* 6. Would you refer our office and recommend our dental team to your family and friends?
* 7. How would you rate your overall experience with our office and team as a whole?
* 8. Any suggestions on how we can improve in our efforts to meet your family's dental needs?


text:
RIP Mark Lacter
Tributes and recollections continue to pour in about Mark Lacter, a very fine journalist and an exceptional business editor. After hearing from colleagues and reading other tributes, it is clear that Mark possessed some unique skills as a business journalist and editor.
His business acumen. Covering business is not easy. Companies tend to hide things, protect their reputation and dole out details in small chunks. For many readers of business stories,the focus generally is on whether a company's stock is rising or falling, a new product, a profile of a quirky business, an acquisition or profiles of leadership. Mark always knew there is more to covering business and challenge himself and others to dig deeper. As an editor, he challenged other writers.
There are plenty of great writers and editors who can take complex subjects and present them in easy-to-understand terms. Mark went beyond this - primarily by either spotting trends or nuances that really mattered in our daily lives, and by challenging the assumptions and prepared statements of business leaders, elected officials and others.
There were trends that only Mark spotted. I was constantly amazed by his attention to detail - he would hear someone raise an issue or make a statement and Mark would pull up a fact-based observation that challenged that convention. These details would be amassed from his ability to search, poke and prod. There are plenty of business leaders, elected officials and source who would squirm under Mark's intense stare and line of questioning. Why? Because he was smart, came prepared and ask questions no one else was considering. There were the routine business stories that needed to be told, but Mark's quest was to report on those that deserved to be told.
Mark possessed a genuine curiosity - a trait not all journalist possess. This served him well because he would not accept blanket statements or lines of thinking. He would dig, scratch. He did not want to follow the patterns of other business writers.
What is amazing to me is that mainstream business news organizations did not grab Mark in these latter years and promote and nurture his brand of journalism. Sure, his freelance work was easily picked up by large news organizations and he was nominated for awards. But as a few others noted in their remembrances of Mark, he lacked an ego and was not pretentious. Did his lack of showboating keep him out of consideration for greater things? Who knows?
What I hope will happen is that journalism schools will take note, and other business editors will study Mark's style - to show others one of the better examples of business writing and business editing.The nuts and bolts of Mark Lacter business journalism needs to be catalogued and chronicled.
Frustrating pitches
One of the most frustrating aspects of practicing public relations is knowing you have a great story to pitch the news media...and not a single reporter or editor bites.
This creates some self doubt.
The second most frustrating moment comes a few weeks later when you see these same news organizations run a truly silly story. You are befuddled, asking yourself: "They choose to run this story and not mine!?!"
This creates anger.
The third most frustrating moment comes when you then turn to one of your trusted PR industry trade publications and there is some guy offering his or her tips on the perfect pitch. "For a few hundred dollars, I will share my secrets..."
Now we're contemplating some heavy drinking, and we can't repeat out loud what we're thinking about the featured "media expert."
The cycle is vicious because it seems to crop up a few times a year.
Yeah, it recently happened to me.
I had a great story for a client who builds affordable housing. Their latest project was for senior citizens, with about half of the rooms set aside for homeless seniors. We found a resident who had been homeless for more than 20 years, and was a former heroin addict. He created a Facebook page that was discovered by his long lost family, which promptly flew him to another state for what I'm sure would be an amazing reunion and the first look at his grandchildren. He also is now volunteering at a local homeless shelter. Everyone calls him "pops." He was very glib. A great story. A great interview.
As many in the PR profession realize today, I had to package this story with as much detail and background as possible to "hand" this ready-made story for consideration. (Don't get me started on lazy journalism.) The pitch was full of helpful statistics, how this situation represented a major trend, etc.
No, in Los Angeles, we'd rather tell you about the latest lipstick craze, weight loss tips, or whether some teen singer (his name begins with Justin) is in another bar fight. Mix in a car chase, something that passes for "breaking news" and a corrupt politician and, viola, this is our evening news.
That was one month ago.
Today, I open my local paper to a story about a homeless man who.....wait for it... created a Facebook page....to be a comedian. Apparently, this guy writes very funny things on cardboard.
Arrgh!! This homeless person was more exciting than my homeless person?!!
As a former journalist, I can say with authority that judging what is news will vary on a daily basis. Reporters and editors will posture that each story is reviewed on its merits and must meet their standards. But we all know there are may variables at work in newsrooms, such as:
A "heavy" news day that pushes your feature out is easily understood, and is readily accepted by your bosses and clients.
However, a veteran journalist once told me in college that journalists are human, too. A pitch made when an editor has a bad day stands less of a chance of being properly considered than if this same editor had a great breakfast, laughed in his car while listening to the radio on his way to work and was looking forward to taking his wife to a concert this weekend. (I've "brought back" stories for consideration after I realized I was dealing with an editor in a foul mood.)
Relationships are critical - we all know that. The best in our business will get a reporter to pick up a phone or return a call or email...based on the relationship.
There also are countless times I (and I suspect you, too) have pitched the same story to the same reporter or editor with a slight change. Or, simply go down the list and find a reporter willing to listen. What may not sound like a news story to one, may find receptive ears with another.
It's like a game of chance.
Of course, our work, expertise and experience are critical. In spite of the many nuances we must deal with in gaining the news media's attention, the process of selling stories is laborious and requires special training and a certain touch. What clients rarely see is the incredible amount of research and "compiling" we do to add enough information and layers to a story to make it "newsworthy." Or adding the video, or creating a social media buzz ahead of the pitch or.....
So, we trudge along, read the latest industry story about the perfect pitch and then pray to the newspaper gods that we'll soon be feeding a reporter more details from our "accepted" pitch.
Only to see our story held for..... (well, let's just say it's another entertainer falling on hard times).
Arrggggh.
Gain one and
Last night, I ran across a salesman for a new newspaper in town. He had a great promotion - $20 a month for home delivery (at least for the first month) and four tickets to the local major league baseball game.
The battle is on in Long Beach with the addition this week of the Long Beach (CA) Register. (Website to come next month).
For those of us who live in Long Beach, a large new newspaper (it's not a daily, yet) may be a good thing. More news about our city. A bit of competition will likely result in more in-depth and harder news coverage from all news orgs.
For PR folks, we see opportunity to get some of our clients featured since these news organizations will be battling to out-do each other.
The addition of a newspaper to a medium-sized U.S. city that already has a daily newspaper drew national attention.
What's overlooked is that Long Beach already is busting at the seams with local news organizations. There is the weekly Grunion Gazzette (yes, it's named after the fish that runs onto the shores occasionally) that is packed with local advertising, features, local sports, interesting editorials by its owner and what some would call "hyper-local" news coverage. Oh, it's also owned by MediaNewsGroup, the same company that owns the Long Beach Press Telegram. We also get, for some reason, the free OCWeekly, and there is the Long Beach Business Journal, the Seal Beach Sun weekly that is dropped at my front door and quickly thrown away, the paper covering Signal Hill, and...whew, let me catch my breath, the other local weekly, the Beachcomber.
There also is the Long Beach Post (started by a Long Beach city councilman), the online LBReport, and a micro-site of ThePatch.com.
And don't rule out the LA Times, which has a dedicated Long Beach staffer.
The Patch is/was a great resource and had breaking news since its former editor was an LA Times hard news reporter. Of course with changes afoot at The Patch, and the addition of a new newspaper to Long Beach, we may not see The Patch around for too much longer.
Leading up to this week's launch, the existing news organizations in Long Beach - particularly the Press Telegram and the LBPost - put on campaigns to (a) remind us which paper really covers the city and (b) to offer advertising specials. Oh, and the MediaNewsGroup's local ownership clan - known as the LosAngelesNewspaperGroup, just redesigned the standardized website for their holdings, including the Press Telegram. And there was this "open house" by the owners of the Press Telegram to reconnect with the community.
This whole drama gets personal for me. But it also raises a question about whether such a move can be repeated (see below) in an era when newspapers are losing readers and cutting costs.
As a former assistant editor for the Los Angeles Daily News, I was hired to help launch the same thing the Register is doing - creating a hyper-local paper that "wraps" over the existing edition. The Daily News, under the Jack Kent Cooke ownership era more than 20 years ago, saw opportunity to gain footholds in regions to the north and east of the main Daily News circulation areas by producing these "wraps" for the Santa Clarita, Simi and Antelope valleys.
These areas already had "local" newspapers but given the amount of commuters leaving these valleys to work in the main Daily News circulation areas and that many of these commuters once lived in the main Daily News circulation area before buying cheaper homes in the burbs, the business strategy concluded that loyalty would prevail and readers would want a "bigger" newspaper giving them both local and regional/national news.
For many years, this strategy worked. The local bureaus covered a lot of local hard news, features and sports. There were circulation gains.
CURSE THE GOOGLE
These wraps no longer exit, falling victim when newspaper circulation took major dives across the country as free online news became popular and advertisers shifted their purchases.
So, what is different for the Register this time? It seems to smell blood in the water and is willing to spend a lot of money to win readers.
What remains to be seen is whether the Register can secure a significant number of home delivery subscriptions at $20 a month from a city that splits its loyalties between LA County and Orange County, and from a population who gets news from multiple sources already.
CONTENT IS STILL KING
What also remains to be seen is whether the Register's new publisher for the Long Beach edition (a news veteran with strong ties to LB) knows where and how to strike. By this, I mean:
Luring advertisers away from existing news orgs (tough, but apparently happening)
Tapping into what LB residents really want from a local newspaper (anything from features on where to eat, to more comprehensive, in-depth news and analysis that really tell us what's going on and why it matters). (should be easy given half of the news staff is former P-T reporters and editors)
Presenting news both online and in print in readable chunks - and quickly. (done).
The second and third points may be the key - because the Register will likely continue its "pay wall" to access its news. Unlike every other paper serving Long Beach that offers news for free online, the Register is betting that the way it covers news will be worth it to plunk down $20 month to see it. With so many other choices for hyper-local news and information (anything from a new restaurant opening to the upcoming city council elections to an interesting student at a local school), what will be different behind the Register's pay wall?
With so many former Press Telegram staffers at the LBRegister, potential readers will be curious to see whether news in the Register will be written and presented in similar style and depth as the P-T. Same writers and editors - different outlet. Will the staff be given more freedoms to cover the issues in more depth, with more aggressive style than when they were at their former newspaper?
And we live in a world of "breaking news" - which we get by ... looking it up online at free sites. Will the Register try to give us "breaking news" in Long Beach or will they give up this component to the other LB news orgs and the LA TV/Radio stations? (I know that I get scooped all the time by the younger crowd because they picked up local breaking news stories on their phones before I had a chance to get to my computer).
Perhaps there is some magic, some shifts that the new owners of the Register are counting on. There is evidence of consumers swinging back to traditional news. Various papers, including the NYTimes and LATimes, have put limits on the number of free stories that can be viewed online by non-subscribers. Why? Because consumers apparently still desire professionally written news that can only be provided by mainstream organizations using experienced, trained reporters, editors and photographers. And, they are now willing to pay for it again.
There is only so many Kardashian stories we can take before we lock onto the meaningful news of the day - an enterprise story that captures your mind. Among the broadcast networks, CBS news seems to have also locked onto this strategy.
The question in Long Beach, therefore, is whether this beach community senses it's not getting the type and AMOUNT of local news it deserves from the main local paper? The LA Newspaper Group has combined its news gathering resources in a cost-saving strategy that allows each edition to put local news on the first page mixed with stories from reporters in other areas of Southern California. In many ways, the "wrap" philosophy is working at LANG.
The LBRegister is making a big point of showcasing its "local" writers by printing their headshots next to their bylines. LANG-owned papers will carry bylines that also list a reporter's email address - but those email addresses could be from the Daily Breeze, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune and...
So, is $5 more a month to subscribe the Register worth it for existing P-T subscribers?
Curiosity may cause some P-T readers to drop and "try out" the new paper.
But my money is on content and consistency. The look and feel of the LBRegister in its first week (26 pages of nothing but local news and sports with plenty of bright, big photos in Thursday's edition - plus the rest of the Register) certainly makes this blogger feel he's getting more local news.
The content is there - but you would expect a great start for a new newspaper. Can it keep delivering this level of content? Consistency.
The long-term strategy will be to out-perform the other local news organizations with content. Readers will sniff this out. If the LBRegister gets enough readers, then advertisers will stick around. At least, that's how I would sell this to the owners of the Register. Stay tuned.
Link this Google
The buzz about Google's new policy (actually reads more like a clarification) regarding links in news releases is, well, getting some buzz.
One columnist went as far as to suggest the new policy meant the death of PR agencies. Nice headline grabbing there.
Fortunately, there are always solutions...and smart PR people. As long-term PR pros know, changes in Google policy do not prevent us from doing our jobs and employing the range of tactics and strategies we are now using and the new ones we'll develop to work around any obstacle.
For those who live and die by search results, I would suggest daily readings at SearchEngineLand.com. Several useful tips here. They were the ones that apparently "broke" the news about the Google changes.
Our friends at Business Wire were quick to provide solutions. Make sure you read this.
And, I have four links in this blog post. Any one's guess as to how Google will treat them.
Keep calm and carry on.
Big Merger, Big Data and PR Kings
Sunday's announcement that Publicis and Omnicom are merging is another sign that digital/big data will rule the day for the immediate future in the world of communications, marketing, advertising and public relations.
The merger of these two large holding companies also holds the potential of further blurring the lines of who is leading the strategic discussion, and raises the question as to whether a "combined" company offering integrated services is better than various disciplines focusing on their strengths in independent fashion.
Certainly, the focus of news articles is on advertising largeness of these two holding companies, but the bigger discussion should be about overall communications strategy, opportunities and threats for public relations and so on.
Omnicom Group owns several public relations agencies, including Ketchum, Porter Noveli and FleishmanHillard. Aside from speculation about the future of other PR agencies within Omnicom and the overall operations of the combined company, the merger news allows anyone in PR to take stock of Big Data and digital communications.
Since its beginnings, public relations has been about gaining insights into trends, mindsets, motivations and behaviors, then using this information and research to develop communications strategies. In the digital era, there is now a wealth of new research and information that creates opportunities for specialists who can mine and analyze data collected from our computers and phones, from cash registers and more.
While these specialists are highly sought after, the role of the PR pro remains as important and as critical.
From my perspective, the digital era has caused more disruptions in the advertising world than in the public relations dominion. PR pros have appeared far more adept at adopting new tactics with the additional insights of big data, but haven't strayed far from the pillars of sound communication strategies. Another way to think about this: We are simply being offered different inputs to develop what we are hired to do - influence outcomes, promote products and services, communicate with our customers and target audiences, etc. The subtle changes in process are well documented, such as: Customer segmentation is growing so we need to be even more targeted in our communications, or we need to drive more "engagement," which is another way of saying we need to get someone to focus on our story or product. ( For one Big Data for PR 101 lesson, go here. There are plenty of others.)
So, will a mega merger change the landscape? Will it create more opportunities for public relations to lead communications strategies?
If anything, now is an extremely opportunistic time for PR pros to grab attention - with existing clients and potential ones, with their corporate bosses and with prospective or existing partners.
Remind them who is in charge of developing the strategies and the message, the keepers of the brand and the most experienced person in the room to properly analyze any and all data.
Nothing like leveraging a major announcement to one's advantage, eh?
Why is Paula Deen crying?
Why is the queen of southern food crying? How is Paula Deen's reputation struggle different from prior ones? What are her chances at recovery?
Image and reputation recovery is a tricky business. Because of scandals and because humans are, well, humans, public relations professionals are routinely called upon to handle both the immediate crisis, and develop the strategy for a better future.
"Make the issue go away" is a refrain I commonly hear from crisis clients. "What can you do to turn my image around?" "How are we going to save my reputation?"
As PR pros know, there are no cookie cutter recipes (sorry, had to... when talking about Paula) to rebuilding or rehabilitating a reputation or image. Each one is a learning experience. However, success or failure depends on some fundamentals (explained below).
Tiger Woods. Lance Armstrong. Martha Stewart. Two out of these three recent falls-from-grace appear to have recovered, in part because they followed the fundamentals. These are all empires built upon a persona - an image carefully crafted and managed to bring in millions. Something goes wrong in that person's life, and an empire can quickly crumble. Endorsements, licensing deals and corporate relationships disappear. Big money follows big personalities, as long as they behave.
What are Paula Deen's chances?
Let's look at some of the fundamentals to reputation recovery.
Hit the airwaves
Perhaps her first step was on the NBC Today show. albeit a few days late. (My go-to would have been Oprah - for some very obvious reasons). But judging by most reactions, Paula didn't execute well. Matt Lauer can be a tough interview. He knows why damaged goods appears on TV. So, he first asked the appropriate question: If Paula was sitting next to him to keep the financial empire afloat? Not a real solid answer here. She deflected that one and instead was trying to have a "personal moment" with Matt and America. It did not appear she had a good game plan going in - other than some hastily assembled messages.
Second - ARS (Apologize, show Remorse and be Sincere)
On Today, we saw a Paula Deen who was trying to show America her true nature, what she is made of and how her daddy raised her. Potentially good strategies, but these must be delivered with precision. But she failed to do something right out of the gate. America was waiting to hear an apology. That is step number one. No options here. Save explanations for later. "I'm sorry for being insensitive. I apologize for tolerating racial slurs in my presence. I apologize for ..." Once the apology is out there, then people will begin to listen and allow you to enter the road to forgiveness. The public wants to forgive you. But, you must meet them halfway. Apologize and show remorse. Make it sincere. (Remorse and sincerity were not evident - in the eyes of a judgmental public - when Lance Armstrong came clean in front of Oprah). Paula, dear, you can't expect America to "get to know you" in four minutes on the Today show. It will come with time. Use these precious minutes to get the apologize out, AND explain your crazy statement from the deposition about not understanding what offends people. (So, you are an ignorant racist?)
Third - remain composed
But why was she crying this time around? Why did she look so distraught? Paula's past responses to attacks on her reputation were executed with much better precision. Really - look at these older videos. Some people remember the diabetes issue, but America has moved on from that one. On Today, she was in far too an emotional state to be on TV. I would have cancelled a second time if she wasn't ready. Yes, we want to see that a situation or an issue has deeply impacted you (and your family and friends), we want you to be sincere, but we also want you to be a strong individual who appears to have the conviction to turn things around and get better. Paula looks defeated - and if you look defeated, there is no hope for recovery. Game over.
(And, as John Wooden would say, "but don't hurry.") America had been waiting for an official response from Paula. And, apparently so were her corporate partners and TV network. Her financial partners were "evaluating their positions" - so that means she needed to be much faster (quick) in huddling with these companies and letting them know her immediate (quick) plans to apologize publicly and to work with them to establish new initiatives associated with the situation. Paula's brand is well suited to launch educational initiatives aimed at promoting tolerance, fairness and equality in the workplace and beyond. Get people in place to make this happen - quickly, so you can announce it. But, sadly, she hurried a TV appearance. Corporate partners were not impressed and could no longer wait. Ties severed.
Seek counsel?
Paula reached out to Rev. Jackson who essentially vowed to save her and enlighten her. This is a small tactical step that can be viewed with skepticism. Tread lightly here. It's much better to...
Plan the long game
Reputation recovery does not happen overnight. It occurs in small steps. Be patient and all will be forgiven - if you do the right thing.
(Next: a discussion about the fickle, changing public and Anne Rice's plea for the mobs to go away)
Posted by PR in Los Angeles at 3:16 PM No comments:
Public Relations Strategists Key To Social Media
Public Relations is often described as the practice of building beneficial relationships.
Obviously, much goes into the development and execution of a good PR plan to build relationships that reward your company or client. The results of experience, expertise and more can be huge.
Look at "Scandal" - the "must-tweet" television series.
The Los Angeles Times writes about how Twitter plays an integral part in the success of a show that opened to a modest reception.
The show's producer and its cast have realized the benefits of using this powerful PR tool - in the right way.
There are many unsuccessful Twitter campaigns. Why?
Lack of a sound strategy
No clear understanding of your audience
Unable to be authentic
These are all basic principles of building positive relationships - developed and implemented through experienced public relations professionals.
Even if a PR pro did not have his or her hands on the wheel on this one, we're willing to accept the thanks for building the foundation.
No one reads a release?
Today's "At Breakfast With" series (one of the more successful programs from the PRSA-Los Angeles Chapter), had some startling (?) news from reporters and editors from national news organizations:
Don't pitch a story idea to a reporter's Twitter account. (Twitter remains sacred ground. It's more personal there than, say, LinkedIn, which is perfectly OK to us to reach a reporter). They hate a DM pitch.
If you are not representing a publicly traded company, why publish a news release? Seems like many reporters are simply not reading them anymore.
And then there were things we already know, but need reminding now and then.
Study the reporter before pitching them. Common theme at these media breakfasts. It seems we PR folks are not understanding this and most reporters complain about getting a pitch that doesn't fall into their type of coverage. It's so easy to Google a reporter and find what they are writing/broadcasting. The Forbes reporter who covers entertainment doesn't want to know about the latest face cream breakthrough (unless, of course, the celebrity is about to buy that face cream company). Bloomberg usually doesn't cover company news if they are not a publicly traded company.
Don't call on deadline.
Building relationships are key. Take a reporter out for coffee, breakfast, lunch or have a non-deadline casual conversation that doesn't involve a current pitch.
Reporters get hundreds, thousands of emails. So, make it personal in the subject line to catch their attention.
Phone follow only if necessary. If you truly think it's a story for them and they probably overlooked it, then call. Not with "did you get my release," but "It's a story I believe is ripe for you and here's why"
Pretend you are a TV reporter trying to "sell" a story to the editor. That's how the reporter you are pitching wants to hear it from you. (I.e. "What you think you know about XX is now completely different")
Information and statistics are great, but stories are best with "characters" (i.e. interesting people)..and they need to be media trained for TV.
And there were a TON of other useful tips from today's program. If you want to link which reporter or editor to the statements above... well, you need to show up. If you want this level of intelligence to enhance your career - then you need to attend more PRSA/LA events and become a member. Membership is cheap and has huge ROI to your career.
Posted by PR in Los Angeles at 11:57 AM 1 comment:
Dorner: A new chapter on credibility and social media
The week-long saga that gripped Southern California and perhaps the nation - the hunt for an ex-cop who issued a manifesto and apparently went on a killing spree - is one to study.
Law enforcement, which always seems to have a credibility cloud over it, was facing even more scrutiny in large part from a small, but loud and adept audience raising questions. Social media channels have enabled voices and opinions to not only be heard, but create noticeable change in discourse.
If you monitored #dorner tweets, you would see a ride range of comments, accusations, sarcasm, humor and other statements. The question for public relations professionals is how to gauge these in developing communications strategies.
Do you ignore the "crazies"?
Before social media, opposing views were shared in smaller groups. Only rational-thinking, credentialed authors made it to the op-ed pages. Obviously, today is much different and a few tweets can lead to a groundswell.
For law enforcement, they are now dealing with greater demands to be transparent. In the ex-cop rampage, the LA police chief agreed to re-open the ex-cop's case. An unprecedented move. But to many, this was not good enough. There were calls for independent groups or individuals to be part of the review.
Even as this case now appears over, there are hardened skeptics who cast about on social media channels a range of theories that in earlier days would have been cast aside or never heard.
What do PR professionals glean from this?
It's not that easy to ignore the radical voice. But, it's also a balancing act. If you exercise considerable attention to answer all charges, allegations and theories, you have given up the ability to direct the conversation back to the center. How often will you tell your client to get a backbone and not crumble in the face of a loud, but actually small, group that is using social media to its advantage?
Timing. PR is usually the "long game." We often win the long game by waiting it out, implement new policies that address problems, etc. Yet, serious examination now must be given to "letting the dust settle" versus determining if the heated rhetoric will have lasting impacts to reputation and credibility.
That's not PR
The legitimate, ethical profession of public relations continues to be under attack.
And PR pros are to blame.
We don't do a good enough job of describing what "good" PR is. We don't insist on the proper definition of public relations. We don't give names to things other than legitimate PR.
Take, for example, a column by one of my favorites - Steve Lopez. In the latest sad chapter of a few bad priests molesting boys and the Cardinal who should have done more to protect the boys, Lopez writes that the Cardinal went into "full PR mode" to "spin" his side of the story.
I get that reporters and columnists sometimes "feel" like they are being "spun" by sources. But what the Cardinal was doing was not "PR" but laying out a defense, more like an attorney would on behalf of a client.
Time and time again, public relations professionals insist that when we offer "the other side" of the story - with facts - we are not attempting to "spin" someone but merely provide reporters with additional detail and another view of the story. Too often, reporters call a few minutes before deadline wanting a response to a serious allegation or charge or incident. The story, by then, is essentially written and we're left with no chance to change the direction of the piece through thoughtful dialogue with a reporter.
It's easy - dare I say, lazy journalism - to infuse a story with "action" words like "PR" and "spin" because by now everyone seems to believe the first is a terrible thing and the second is always associated with the first.
I'm too much of a realist to know that we won't change this over night. (We'll get accused of trying to spin a reporter with PR just trying to bring this up!)
Yet, we must do more to define the "good" and legitimate PR that goes on everyday and is routinely enjoyed and accepted by the news media from the "other" stuff that may resemble PR, but need a different definition.
It's about separation.
This is an ongoing dilemma - as I recall several blogs (one of my favorites was when the SpinSucks blog began) that have dealt with this topic for years.
However, we PR pros must do a better job of defining what PR really is and give reporters and columnists better, alternative inflammatory language to describe stuff that may sound like PR but is something else. The vacuum we leave behind for journalists - by not offering alternative descriptions to actions that are not ethical or credible - perpetuates the problem.
In the case of the Cardinal, it may be better to describe "his attempts to defend his reputation." He went into "defense" mode or tried to "engineer" a better image for himself. I would (maybe I will) offer the columnist a clear understanding that public relations - by its very definition and meaning to companies, associations and individuals - can only survive if its credible and ethical.
It also comes down to how we treat reporters and other journalists. I can't tell you how many times I have run into a journalist who felt "burned" or "spun" by a public relations person or publicist. As a former journalist, I usually can provide some credibility and trust. ("Look, I was a journalist not too long ago, so I promise I won't spin you.") Once you get reporters to realize you are more of an asset to them and that you are not going to "spin" them but provide reports, facts, access, details and other considerations that may be fruitful to their story, you are halfway there.
As professional, ethical PR professionals, we certainly must represent our clients and companies.
We also must defend our profession.
So, when a column incorrectly says that someone is going into "PR mode" to try to deflect criticism or otherwise paint an inaccurate picture of themselves or their organization - tell the reporter THAT is not PR because it's not credible or ethical. Tell them that "PR" does not equate deceit or misdirection. Tell them to use better language to describe actions that have no resemblance to ethical, credible communications.
Yeah, even when a priest is involved.
NEXT: When someone has "PR problem on their hands."
Is PR a waste of money?
"A waste of money."
This was one of a few pointed statements by a Los Angeles city council member critical of three public relations and communications contracts that were awarded by the board overseeing the city's international airport (LAX).
"Outrageous amount of money."
That was in a newspaper editorial this week blasting the airport board for considering hiring three outside communications agencies and questioning aloud why these tasks can't be done by in-house staff.
The council member had invoked a rule that allows the LA city council to assume jurisdiction over an individual item, like a major public relations contract, originally decided on by one of the many city commissions. Most of the time, the council keeps its hands off decisions by its various commissions.
Reporters and other well-versed observers see the council member's actions and statements as simple grandstanding for his election bid as city controller. Calling for fiscal constraint and finding an easy target like a PR contract does wonders for the campaign.
But, sigh, "PR" and "millions of dollars" linked in the same breath can and does bring attention, and once again we in the public relations profession must defend and explain what we do.
Most PR professionals have heard these same arguments before:
"Why does a newsletter or a press release or a poster cost $X million?"
"Why can't staff handle this?"
"Just what are we communicating here?"
A problem we have in PR is measuring success and defining exactly what we do. Lawyers win judgments. Engineers deliver drawings. Accountants provide detailed financial reports. These are easy to understand concepts.
Crisis communications is often the closest we come to defining success. We get companies through these difficult times - sometimes avoiding litigation, sometimes averting a sting to the stock price, many times making sure customers keep buying their products. (Think: Dominoes pizza)
Another problem with PR is that our course is never charted exactly as the last journey. The result is that each program we design is different: Individualized is good for the client because it's specific to their need, but bad when explaining it to the public and skeptics because it's not a widget you can hold in your hand.
We are paid to anticipate. We are paid to understand the public. We are paid to know how to handle a lot of various circumstances. We are paid to listen to an issue, research it, and use our skills and knowledge to lay out a plan that can communicate it to multiple audiences. We are paid to make the complex easy to understand. We are paid to make sure our client's voices are heard - otherwise the vacuum provides others to fill the void with many times wrong or misleading information.
It's the "PR guy" (or gal) who knows a great opportunity, like when John Black at the Los Angeles Lakers gets an email from a guy who wants the basketball team to recognize his buddy's combat service. Black, one very skilled public relations pro I've known over the years, immediately recognizes the opportunity to create a joyous occasion. The result is a surprise reunion at a Lakers game, thanks to the Lakers. It was the right thing to do, it would demonstrate the Lakers' commitment to its fans - and it was orchestrated by "the PR guy."
It's the PR agency hired to manage communications around a major public construction project. With it comes a lengthy and complex environmental impact report, listing things like the potential harm to wildlife, noise to neighborhoods, interruptions to traffic patterns, etc. As the project begins, these impacts usually come to life and begin getting attention. A solid PR plan that was developed far in advance of construction anticipated when and how various audiences will begin to react. The PR plan goes into action to remind the public why the project was needed (a discussion held perhaps years before construction and long forgotten). Before the first shovel of dirt is turned, PR pros will have conducted community meetings, developed information materials and monitored public sentiment to identify "hot-button" issues that require even more care and handling.
PR is not "spin." In an era where information can be easily found online, deception doesn't work nor is it what PR folks preach. PR pros advocate for honest, open communications. PR pros will often talk about the lengths they went to convince executives to be forthright and lay it all on the table. That said, what PR pros are paid to do is make sure all sides of an issue are understood and treated fairly. Too often, a critic will call out the worst aspect or try to "spin" the story in their favor. PR pros are paid to respond and remind people about the "other," factual side of the story.
To answer "Why need PR?", let's start by examining the need. Let's use the newspaper's logic: Why need outside PR help when the airport already is attracting large number of visitors. Why need outside PR help when the airport already has a large PR and communications department?
The Los Angeles World Airports, which runs LAX, saw a "temporary" need to have extra PR help during the modernization program. Existing airport staff already have their plates full with their normal day-to-day duties - whether it's marketing the airport to airlines that may expand their operations, or pull back, the community relations team dealing with a variety of daily issues in the neighborhood or other tenants, the media team handling calls about incidents at the airport, etc.
The modernization work requires additional, temporary help - the same as when public agencies or city departments require additional legal help on specific or unique cases. It doesn't make fiscal sense to hire permanent staff for what ends up being a short-term project. And, perhaps better than some other professions, the work product left behind from a communications and public relations contract will have lasting positive value long after the PR agency's work is done. These include materials, messages, positive and productive lines of communication with various audiences and communities, and more. These will continue to be utilized by the existing airport staff.
And to the editorial's blatant disregard for fairness - the city getting burned by outside PR companies - let's set the record straight. It was an isolated incident involving just one PR agency. The same kind of corruption or criminal activity can and has happened in other industries. There are plenty of over-billing incidents involving other city contracts, such as with construction projects. However, there were no industry-wide bans when wrong-doing was exposed in these other contracts. It's not fair to punish the entire profession for one bad apple.
The vast majority of PR professionals adhere to strict ethical standards. PRSA-Los Angeles came out strongly when the incident first broke that this was not reflective of the public relations profession and reminded everyone about our strict Code of Ethics that we all sign and pledge to follow. What's more, PR pros advocate for a close accounting of its billing. We know our invoices will be scrutinized.
Keep reading for more.
City still skittish about PR
UPDATE (1/29): The City Council committee reviewing these contracts has delayed a decision on whether to overrule the Airport Commission's decision. PRSA-LA Chapter president Steve Roth testified at the committee meeting and provided a letter. We expect this matter to come back to the committee within the next two weeks.
The City of Los Angeles' 8-year-old saga over using public relations agencies comes up again this week. It's time for all PR pros in the city to cry "foul" and tell everyone to get "get over it" and realize that Public Relations has a very proper role in government.
Two councilmen are questioning a pending contract with the well-regarded Phelps agency for "public outreach and education." (This is the now-popular phrase used with government PR contracts to avoid the words "public relations." More on that later).
One LA Times story (above) quotes the airport's government affairs director. The better quotes, I believe, are from their managing director for public relations (see, someone not afraid to use those words) Mary Grady, who is a communications veteran and well-regarded PR pro in LA. Funny how a newspaper has one set of stories in a blog, then their "final" story looks different.
Why PR contracts in LA are controversial goes back to 2004, when the mayor cancelled all PR contracts in the wake of a scandal involving a major PR firm with political ties to the mayor. The local GM of that agency went to jail for over-billing the city. PRSA and its Los Angeles chapter put up a big fight then, arguing that the over-billing issue was an isolated incident and against our Code of Ethics. One incident should not prompt a ban on all PR work. We complained about why PR should be treated any differently than other outside vendors, such as engineers? There are plenty of incidents involving bad contracting with other professions and services, yet the city never instituted a ban on an entire industry.
Ever since, the Los Angeles PRSA chapter has maintained its advocacy efforts in hopes of removing any stigma in the eyes of public officials. This included a study commissioned by the chapter to monetize the value of the PR industry on the LA economy.
Disclosure: I once worked for an agency that provided public affairs and community relations services to the Los Angeles Airport. This work was performed more than 10 years ago. But, for anyone who has lived in Los Angeles for more than 5 years knows that LAX has a lot of issues - primarily with expanding its runways to handle more flights. What I was doing more than 10 years ago hasn't gone away - they are still fighting for an expansion.
So, we have two issues here:
A giant public agency like the Los Angeles World Airports is bound to need outside public relations help. Aside from their long-running effort to expand, the airport touches millions of lives every day in the city and around the world. The local battle over expansion has lasted years and is highly complex, especially given the number of organized groups opposing expansion. There are TONS of meetings to hold, REAMS of information to share and a huge GOAL of communicating to various audiences the importance of the airport to the region and why it needs to expand. These efforts require dedicated specialists. The in-house team simply is not big enough, or has the authority to advocate or the various specialties required to carry out the multiple tasks required for this effort. The sad fact is that the same LA City Council members complaining about money spent on an outside agency would be the very same ones questioning why the LAWA in-house communications team is so large (should they hire the requisite number of PR pros to meet the tasks before the agency). The complex needs for outreach and education do not go away. Without a strong communications (oops. public relations) effort, the expansion opponents would win because they will have no one to counter the many-times false and unsubstantiated claims about the expansion. The opponents will have gained more followers because no one is reaching out to the community to remind them of all the positive things about LAX - like how many people depend on LAX for jobs, or the revenue brought to the region, or...or...
The importance of the public relations profession. The same City Council members complaining about this pending contract are hypocrites. They have used public relations to their advantage. They have their own communications staff, send out news releases, etc. So, why is it NOT critical for Los Angeles International Airport to communicate and use proven, effective public relations strategies and tactics when these council members use the very same strategies and tactics on a daily basis for their own needs? And don't get me started when election season rolls up - and how council members hire multiple agencies to communicate why they should be re-elected.
I understand this becomes an issue when a public relations contract is valued at $1 million or more. The red flags come up. (California's governor recently nixed a multi-million-dollar public relations and video contract for a major infrastructure project). However, these are long-term contracts. A $1 million contract over four years is $250,000 a year - the annual full price of 2-3 full-time communications employees. What a PR agency brings for that price is the work product equivalent of 4-5 employees, plus a whole lot of experience and expertise that otherwise would cost $100,000 or more a year per person for a public agency to bring this level of PR pro in house.
A "PR effort" is not about lying or deceiving. Those actions are clearly a violation of the PRSA Code of Ethics. What PR is:
An important effort to get information to the public in a world jammed with information.
It involves research to understand public sentiment, how people and groups want to receive information and how they want to be treated.
PR involves significant expertise to lay out information in a way that gets the point across and substantiate the messages.
PR involves setting up meetings - and knowing how to reach communities that otherwise have many other things on their minds.
PR is about calling attention to important issues.
Have I modified terminology with my public agency work to reflect "public outreach and education" so cities and public agencies don't risk criticism for hiring a PR agency? Yes. Guilty as charged. But, public outreach and education is just one facet of the public relations profession.
It's time we defend our profession.